, child,--You need not bring your fine speeches to bear
upon me: you only expend your ammunition to no purpose. Your
aunt told you nothing but truth; for it is always fair and
honest to be above-board, d'ye see. I am informed as how you
are in chase of a painted galley, which will decoy you upon the
flats of destruction, unless you keep a better look-out and a
surer reckoning than you have hitherto done; and I have sent
Jack Hatchway to see how the land lies, and warn you of your
danger: if so be as you will put about ship, and let him steer
you into this harbour, you shall meet with a safe berth and
friendly reception; but if you refuse to alter your course you
cannot expect any farther assistance from yours as you behave,
"Hawser Trunnion."

Peregrine was equally piqued and disconcerted at the receipt of this
letter, which was quite different from what he had expected; and
declared in a resolute tone to the lieutenant, who brought it, that he
might return as soon as he pleased, for he was determined to consult his
own inclination, and remain for some time longer where he was.

Hatchway endeavoured to persuade him, by all the arguments which his
sagacity and friendship could supply, to show a little more deference
for the old man, who was by this time rendered fretful and peevish by
the gout, which now hindered him from enjoying himself as usual, who
might, in his passion, take some step very much to the detriment of the
young gentleman, whom he had hitherto considered as his own son. Among
other remonstrances, Jack observed that mayhap Peregrine had got under
Emilia's hatches, and did not choose to set her adrift; and that if that
was the case, he himself would take charge of the vessel, and see her
cargo safely delivered; for he had a respect for the young woman, and
his needle pointed towards matrimony; and as, in all probability, she
could not be much the worse for the wear, he would make shift to scud
through life with her under an easy sail.

Our lover was deaf to all his admonitions, and, having thanked him
for this last instance of his complaisance, repeated his resolution of
adhering to his first purpose. Hatchway, having profited so little by
mild exhortations: assumed a more peremptory aspect, and plainly told
him that he neither could nor would go home without him; so he had best
make immediate preparation for the voyage.